Plant Globemallow – Fall or Late Winter at Pot Depth

Plant Globemallow – Fall or Late Winter at Pot Depth guide illustration

Plant a nursery globemallow in fall or late winter, at the same depth it sat in the pot. Do not lift a plant that already has a woody taproot.

Planting Globemallow care summary diagram

Plant in fall or late winter, at the same depth as the pot

FactorRecommendedAvoid
WhenFall, or late winter when the soil is workableSetting a new plant out in summer heat
StartA young nursery plantDigging a mature garden plant to move it
DepthThe same depth it sat in the potBurying the crown
SpacingAbout three to four feet for a desert moundA tight row against a wet neighbor

Choose the final spot now. A plant still in its pot moves fine, but an established woody taproot does not. Dig in fall or late winter, before summer heat. [1] [2] desert globemallow wants that same fall or late winter window. Confirm the kind on Types of Globemallow before you dig. Wear gloves. Tiny hairs on the leaves can irritate skin and eyes. Dig a hole about three times as wide as the pot and no deeper, then backfill with the same native soil. Skip a richly amended pocket that stays wet.

Can I transplant an established globemallow?

No. The woody base and taproot do not like a move. Buy a young plant, or grow from seed. A moved mature plant usually fails.

How to plant globemallow

Set one young plant at a time, at pot depth, then water once to settle.

  1. Confirm desert globemallow, scarlet globemallow, or Munro's globemallow on the tag. If the tag only says globemallow, match it on Types of Globemallow.
  2. Plant in fall or late winter. Skip summer heat. A new plant in July often cooks before the roots can go down.
  3. Dig a hole no deeper than the pot. Set the crown at the same depth, backfill, and water in once. [3]
  4. Leave about three to four feet for a desert mound so the stems do not crowd a wet neighbor. After planting, sun and extra water are on How to Grow Globemallow. Seed is on Growing Globemallow from Seed.

When do I plant globemallow?

Plant in fall or late winter, at the same depth as the pot. Skip summer heat.

Take a rhizome cutting in spring

scarlet globemallow also spreads from fleshy underground stems. In spring, take a rhizome cutting with a bud and bury it just under the soil surface on draining ground. Water once to settle, then keep extra irrigation off. Seed is still the usual start for desert globemallow and Munro's globemallow. [4]

If a mature plant fails after a move, the taproot broke — start again with a young plant in fall or late winter.

FAQ

Can I move a seedling in fall?

A small first-year seedling can still move in fall if you keep the root intact. Do not lift a plant that already has a woody taproot.

Can I plant in summer heat?

Skip it. Fall is the best window, and late winter is next. A new plant in summer heat often fails before the roots can go down.

Recommended plants

References

  1. [1] Southwest Gardener - https://swgardener.com/globe-mallow/
  2. [2] PlantNative - https://plantnative.org/native-plants/globe-mallow-spharalcea-ambigua.htm
  3. [3] Water — Use It Wisely - https://wateruseitwisely.com/blog/plant-of-the-month-globe-mallow/
  4. [4] Epic Gardening - https://www.epicgardening.com/scarlet-globemallow/

This note is part of Sphaeralcea Guides.

More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.

Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors

This guide is written for real gardens, not perfect climates. Results vary with site, season, and plant choice. We draw on multiple sources and practical experience; treat the steps here as honest guidance, not a promise that every bed will behave the same.